AMREEN SHAIKH
Our great teachers face several challenges with every coming day but never quit. One of the major challenges for them is to stay up-to-date with the learning technology. With progress in technology, the teaching pattern is constantly changing. Every year, there are new apps, websites and other technology tools created to improve the learning process. It can also be difficult for teachers to manage the behaviour of students along with staying up-to-date with the most recent classroom trends. Teachers have a huge responsibility of shaping the future generation for which they need support and understanding from the students and parents which is lacking today. Parents do not understand the teachers and at times make allegations against them because of the wrong done by their own child or if he/she is unable to reach their expectations. Teachers have to deal with students from different backgrounds and communities and have the daunting task of inculcating good values within them along with imparting knowledge. At times, teachers do not get a response from students, and as a result, it becomes difficult for them to communicate and interact with students. In such cases, they motivate the students and help them to rise up, for which they have to be very patient and understanding. Nowadays, there is an increase in competition, due to which teachers have to face pressure from school administrators to contribute in making their school the best. These are just a few challenges faced by them.

ANISHA HOLKAR
The information boom and the subsequent knowledge explosion have led to tremendous changes in the life of individuals today, and its effect is also witnessed in the field of education. With global connectivity facilitated by ICT, searching for any information today has become a child’s play. In this digital era, the coming generations are quite adept at handling, managing and working with technology. Even young kids and toddlers, probably by way of their genetic inheritance, are able to operate smartphones and other modern gadgets. Thus, these gadgets have been embedded within the daily routine of modern lives. Due to this transformation, there is a contention among some intellectuals about whether teachers can be replaced by computers. One of the most common and pressing classroom challenges for teachers is the fact that some students are not receiving adequate support outside of the classroom. Teachers can work with students only while they’re at school.

MEHAK AJWANI
Teaching is widely considered a noble career because of the role teachers play in shaping the lives of students. Being a teacher can be a very rewarding job. However, teaching is getting more and more complex and challenging these days. Some challenges may include getting parents actively involved. For example, it’s not always an easy task to try to encourage parents to help their children with homework routine, time management, etc. Another challenge is that different students have different learning styles. Yet another challenge is the shortage of teaching resources and increasing classroom sizes. Due to the increase in classroom sizes, teachers are unable to provide individual attention to their students.

Teachers have to upgrade their knowledge and skills to be able to teach effectively. In addition, the ever-changing nature of the education system can make it difficult for teachers to keep up with the latest developments and innovations. A teacher has to always strive to turn a challenge into an opportunity. Another significant challenge that teachers face is the lack of appreciation and respect they receive from society. Teaching requires knowledge of different subjects, and it demands excellent communication, motivation and organizational skills. Being a teacher is a job that requires a high level of dedication, patience and compassion.

SALONI WAGHCHOURE
A teacher is a multi-tasking, educational rockstar who lives to inspire and loves to encourage. Teachers are the epitome of the word ‘all-rounder’, but we also need to acknowledge all the challenges that teachers face today. One of the biggest challenges in a teacher’s life is to get to know each student and the different learning needs of students. Some students are quick learners, whereas most of the students take time to grasp the concepts. Teachers try to help the students with personalised teaching strategies, but it is difficult to manage time in an already packed, time-bound curriculum. Catering to the needs of every student individually is a big burden for teachers because it affects their lesson plans. Apart from correcting exam papers, teachers have to do a lot of paperwork and keep track of the details of each student. It is very hectic for them. Teachers do not have a self-care routine, and they never make time for themselves, which may lead to burnout.

TANAYA GURAV
After the Covid pandemic, there has been a drastic change in the education system. Due to this, the teachers had to adapt to the increasing technology and upgrade themselves. The students are now less communicative than before, and their academic progress, in some cases, has slowed down too. The teachers are trying their best to cope with all of this along with handling their personal lives. School administrations are putting pressure on teachers for their best performance, as competition has increased in all areas. According to a survey done among school teachers, it was revealed that 9 out of 10 teachers have seen a significant increase in their workload during and after the pandemic. Parental support is an important factor in a teacher’s life so as to develop the young minds. Since the pandemic, parental expectations have increased significantly. Teachers have been faced with the challenge of meeting these elevated expectations while they navigate the complexities of virtual instruction and dealing with the impacts of the pandemic on their students’ learning. In spite of all of these challenges, teachers work effortlessly towards the betterment of children and shape their future. May God bless them in all their endeavours.

Through candid responses and heartfelt reflections, the students of St Charles School provide a poignant and insightful look into the realities faced by their teachers. They recognize the immense dedication, creativity, and resilience required to foster a supportive and effective learning environment amidst these challenges. Hats off to our dear Teachers! Happy Teachers’ Day!

Get the digital edition of the September 2024 issue to read the full article.

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To cultivate the reading habit in students, schools should initiate student book clubs. Schools can start hosting in-class reading sessions where students go to the library and pick a book to read. The teachers could then hand out homework on the books that the students have read, and conduct group activities so that reading physical copies of books will become their habit and a bond between students – a friendship maker!
Mathew George Kandathil (13)
Mahatma Gandhi International School, Ahmedabad

First, schools should revamp their libraries into inviting spaces, offering a diverse range of books and magazines that cater to various interests and reading levels. A well-curated collection ensures that students find topics that resonate with their curiosity. Secondly, integrate reading into the curriculum by assigning relevant materials that complement subjects taught in class. This makes reading a practical and enriching part of their academic journey. Thirdly, embrace technology by providing access to digital resources such as e-books and interactive magazines. Technology not only makes reading more accessible but also engages students through multimedia elements. Lastly, foster a culture of reading through extracurricular activities like book clubs and author visits. These initiatives encourage social interaction and allow students to share their reading experiences, further igniting their interest in books and magazines.
Jigisha Soni (17)
Father Agnel School, Greater Noida

Schools should enrich libraries with diverse, captivating books to spark interest. Dedicate 30 minutes daily to silent reading to nurture a lifelong love for reading. Host inter-house reading competitions and integrate oral segments into language exams to help students develop extensive vocabulary and eloquent speaking skills. Parents must recognize the essential role of fostering reading and speaking abilities in their children so they can converse confidently and navigate communication challenges in the future.
Sara Tamseel Khwaja (14)
St Joseph’s Convent High School, Gandhi Maidan, Patna

To spark students’ interest in reading, provide a wide range of books and magazines that cater to their diverse interests. Create inviting reading environments and organize engaging activities like book clubs, reading challenges, and interactive discussions. Incorporate creative projects related to the reading material to make the experience enjoyable. Allow students to choose their reading materials to ensure they are engaged and motivated to read regularly.
Meghna Ghosh (14)
Father Agnel School, Greater Noida

Incorporate reading into the curriculum with creative projects and assignments. Use social media tools to create book-related content and communities. Conduct book fairs, reading competitions, book clubs, etc. to encourage students to create their own stories or book reviews. Provide access to e-readers and audiobooks for varied reading. Provide rewards for reading milestones.
Anshuman Singh (16)
Father Agnel School, Greater Noida

In an age of screens, fostering a love for books among students is crucial. Schools can ignite this passion through interactive book clubs, inviting author sessions, and themed reading weeks. Cosy reading corners and diverse genre offerings further entice exploration. By blending traditional and digital formats, educators ensure accessibility, making the journey from reluctant to avid reader an exciting adventure for every student. By blending technology with timeless paperbacks, schools cultivate a reading culture that not only enriches academic growth but also sparks lifelong curiosity and creativity among the young minds of tomorrow.
Nishka Kashyap (13)
Father Agnel School, Greater Noida

To foster student interest in reading books and magazines, schools can implement engaging book clubs, organize author visits, establish reading challenges with rewards, create cosy reading corners, and host book fairs. Teachers should recommend diverse genres and topics, connect readings to real-world issues, and integrate technology for interactive learning experiences. Encouraging parental involvement and showcasing student book reviews can further stimulate reading enthusiasm.
Shruti Thakur (16)
Father Agnel School, Greater Noida

Schools can implement interesting programmes like book clubs, where students discuss their favourite books with one another, to encourage a love of reading among the pupils. To pique interest, libraries can hold author-interactive workshops or reading challenges with a theme. Interests are also expanded when reading lists include a variety of genres and subjects. Last but not least, creating a relaxing reading space with nooks and access to a range of publications can stimulate discovery even more.
Aviral Yadav (14)
Fr Agnel School, Greater Noida

These interactive activities can make reading a social and enjoyable experience:
Guest Author Visits: Invite authors to speak about their books and writing process.
Reading Rewards: Implement a reward system for completing books or reading challenges.
Digital Integration: Use e-books and audiobooks to cater to tech-savvy students.
Creative Projects: Encourage students to create their own stories or book-related art.
Reading Buddies: Pair older students with younger ones to read together.
Themed Reading Weeks: Organize events around specific themes or genres.
Personalized Book Recommendations: Tailor suggestions based on individual interests.
Dhananjay Mishra (12)
Father Agnel School, Greater Noida

Utilize technology by offering access to e-books, audiobooks, or digital magazines, catering to different learning preferences. Encourage peer recommendations and allow students to suggest books they find interesting, fostering a sense of ownership in their reading choices. Implement reading challenges or competitions with incentives like certificates or small rewards to motivate students to achieve reading milestones.
Lavanya Neeraj (14)
Fr Agnel School, Greater Noida

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In a world increasingly driven by technology and innovation, young minds like Aakansha Jagga, a student of Vikas Bharati Public School, Delhi, are keeping up with the pace and setting new benchmarks. This young innovator has made significant strides in multiple fields, impacting communities in India, Nigeria, and the USA with her groundbreaking projects and passionate advocacy for STEM education.

AI-Driven Plant Disease Detection Tool

One of Aakansha’s most notable projects is an AI-driven plant disease detection tool. Developed in collaboration with Intel, this tool has already substantially impacted India. By leveraging artificial intelligence, the tool helps farmers identify and manage plant diseases more effectively. The result is improved crop yields and greater sustainability in agricultural practices. Till date, over 200 farmers have benefited from this innovative solution, highlighting Aakansha’s commitment to addressing food security and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Get the digital edition of the August 2024 issue to read the full article.

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To address the problem, we can make additions like college credit system in high school with the introduction of AP courses, vocational courses and learning based on experiment. Qualities like communication and problem-solving skills can be boosted through extra-curriculars. We ought to prioritize career guidance and internship opportunities in the field of interest so that we relieve the youth of the usual quarter life crisis.
Myra Walia (15)
St Luke’s, Solan

The curriculum in our educational institutions is lagging behind in youth skill development due to numerous reasons. Firstly, regular career counselling for children is significant in implementing good values and skills that will help them overcome any situation in the job market. The government must provide resources for educators to stay informed about technical advancements. Educational institutions should collaborate with various business and industry tycoons to help children understand the demands of the market. Finally, schools and colleges should facilitate opportunities for students to gain real-world experience through internships and start building their abilities from childhood. I believe that if the government adopts these ideas, India will surely become a nation full of teen-preneurs.
Aadya Kumar (14)
St Joseph’s Convent High School Jethuli, Patna, Bihar

Educational institutions can take the following steps to improve curriculum implementation:
Provide Support Structures: Districts can support schools and teachers with professional development networks to implement an effective science curriculum, instruction, and formative assessments.
Promote Holistic Development: Teachers and parents can promote students’ holistic development in both academic and non-academic spheres.
Prioritize Foundational Literacy and Numeracy: Students should achieve foundational literacy and numeracy by grade 3.
Provide Flexibility: Students should be able to choose their learning trajectories and programmes based on their talents and interests.
Eliminate Hard Separations: There should be no hard separations between arts and sciences, curricular and extracurricular activities, and vocational and academic streams.
Daksh Bhardwaj (13)
Notre Dame School, Badarpur, New Delhi

Educational institutions should take several steps, for example, offering career counselling services to help students understand the job market, identify their strengths, and align their educational paths with their career goals. This guidance can assist students in making informed decisions about their academic choices. Implementing internship programmes or work placement opportunities for students can bridge the gap between theory and practice. Real-world experience gained during internships can enhance students’ employability and readiness for the job market. Organizing skill development workshops, seminars, and guest lectures by industry experts to provide students with hands-on experience and exposure to the latest industry practices. By implementing these steps, educational institutions can bridge the gap between educational curricula and job market demands, better equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their future careers.
Priya Raj (14)
St Joseph’s Convent High School, Jethuli, Patna

To address the misalignment between educational curricula and the job market, both institutions and governments must undertake immediate steps. Institutions should foster partnerships with industries to understand current skill demands, updating their curricula accordingly. Emphasizing practical, hands-on learning experiences and integrating technological advancements into course work can better prepare students for real-world challenges. Simultaneously, governments should incentivize collaboration between educational institutions and businesses, allocating resources for retraining programmes and promoting apprenticeships to bridge the gap between education and employment. Additionally, establishing regulatory frameworks that encourage flexibility and innovation in educational practices can facilitate swift adaptation to evolving job market needs. By fostering closer ties between academia and industry while promoting adaptable educational policies, institutions and governments can effectively address the issue of youth skill development.
Parth Sahore (14)
Notre Dame School, Badarpur, New Delhi

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It would be advantageous for India to have a singular central board with optional state languages. First, the students will benefit most. There will be uniformity in the syllabus; all students will learn the same syllabus except for the state languages. Second, students moving from one part of the country to another wouldn’t face the challenges of adapting to a different curriculum. It would result in decreased stress and inferiority complex among students, as India often experiences a situation where one board is considered superior to others. This would also improve the migration level, and providing optional languages would allow for greater flexibility. Students can choose languages based on their interests, career goals, and backgrounds. Last but not least, it would be easier for the government to manage the education system, policies, and practices and keep improving on them.
Ishani Chamling (13)
New Horizon Scholars’ School, Thane, Maharashtra

State boards often incorporate state-specific content, making them more culturally and regionally aligned. CBSE is often preferred for students preparing for competitive exams in India due to its focused curriculum and alignment with national level entrance exams like JEE and NEET. CBSE promotes uniformity in education regardless of their location. State boards allow for more flexibility in curriculum design, which can lead to variations in the quality and content of education between States.
Sneha Suman (12)
Notre Dame, Badarpur, New Delhi

The main reasons for me to go with the choice of singular Central Board are:
1. Nowadays, almost every level of competitive exam in India is based on the syllabus of a particular singular Central Board like CBSE (NCERT). So, if a student wants to clear the NEET, JEE or even UPSC exam, he will have to study the CBSE based books. This makes the student think that it is a lot tougher to clear such exams.
2. If India has a singular Central Board with optional state languages, then every student will get to know the culture of each other’s state. Thus, we will get to know our country which will increase its unity. As the term suggests “Unity in Diversity”.
Kanishka Singh (13)
Montfort Inter College, Mahanagar, Lucknow

I believe having a centralized education is indispensable and the need of the hour for diverse countries like India. Invariability in the education system is necessary for imparting proper and quality education to all students across the country. If a centralized board is constituted, then bias and partiality among children will be eradicated. Improvement in Governmental and private institutions will take place and all stakeholders will be able to manage the education properly. The uniformity may be helpful for assimilation of knowledge and further parents of transferable jobs will not face any problems while managing their child’s education. The uniform curriculum will lead to enhancement in the standardisation of books and teaching methods. Furthermore, the regional culture and traditions may be incorporated in optional state language making education more accessible and agreeable for all.
Sara Tamseel Khwaja (14)
St Joseph’s Convent High School, Bankipore, Patna

Yes, it would be advantageous for India to maintain the current diversity of state, central and international board in the following ways:
Recognized internationally: These boards are advantageous for students planning to study abroad and for parents wanting to shift abroad.
Advanced education system: These boards are recognized internationally, and their education system is advanced in technology, language and orientation.
Flexible syllabus: CBSE offers a lot of flexibility to the students to pursue their fields of interest.
Strong connection with their state’s culture and traditions: State boards are more rooted in the culture and language of the specific state.
Daksh Bhardwaj (13)
Notre Dame School, Badarpur, New Delhi

A central board with optional state language might be beneficial for students. The education and examination system will be uniform throughout India. In case of an interstate change of school, students can cope with the study pattern easily. More underprivileged students will benefit from the singular central board. However, this would have some drawbacks. Presently, the state board teaches regional history, literature, and cultural heritage of one’s state in a very comprehensive manner, so value in maintaining the diverse knowledge will be lacking.
Nandita Singh Bariha (14)
Kendriya Vidyalaya, NHPC Singtam, Sikkim

Each approach has its advantages and disadvantages, influenced by India’s unique socio-political, cultural, and economic context. Standardization might ensure that students across different regions have access to the same quality of education, resources, and opportunities. This could help bridge educational disparities between urban and rural areas, or between states with different levels of educational infrastructure. The choice between a singular Central Board and maintaining the diversity of boards depends on balancing the benefits of standardization and national integration with the need to preserve local significance and foster innovation. A possible middle path could involve a hybrid model that establishes a core national curriculum complemented by region-specific modules, allowing for both uniformity in essential educational standards and flexibility to cater to local needs and identities.
Priya Raj (14)
St Joseph’s Convent High School, Jethuli, Patna

It would be a great benefit for India to have a singular central board. Singularization of boards will help students to transfer and take admission throughout schools easily as the exam format and syllabus would be consistent. With uniformity among various boards, students can concentrate fully on studying a single curriculum rather than relying on multiple textbooks for support in upcoming competitions. Standardization can reduce the administrative costs and also promote regional distinctiveness due to the availability of optional languages. Although it risks cultural diversity, it is advantageous for both students and teachers as it creates a straightforward and more compact way of learning in just one schedule/course.
Aadya Kumar (14)
St Joseph’s Convent High School, Jethuli, Patna, Bihar

I think it would be advantageous for India to have a singular central board with optional state languages as many people of other states do not understand English or Hindi as many have their different languages for their different states, regions and places like villages and so on. I see value in maintaining the current diversity of State, Central and International Boards because many don’t know about their culture of a particular city, state, place or region.
Darshmeet Kaur Saluja (12)
St Francis Convent Inter College, Jhansi

It would be advantageous for India to have singular Central Board with optional State Language. It would bring uniformity in standard of education, evaluation and grading system all over India. It would provide equal opportunity to students of India and would promote national integrity. It would also minimise the cost incurred on education. The language problem and problem of variability in the educational standard, earning outcome, performance and their comparison would be automatically solved by a singular Central Board.
Aditi Shekhar (14)
St Joseph’s Convent High School, Jethuli, Patna

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A bi-weekly, bilingual (primarily Hindi) Indian cookery podcast to help you cook without being in front of a computer/TV to watch the recipes. Just plug in your headphones and get cooking! Also featuring interviews with chefs and food writers, the podcast takes you the length and breadth of India and connects different cultures through tasty Indian cuisine.

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Tiny Leaps, Big Changes focuses on habits you can develop in your everyday life to lead to a bigger change. This personal development podcast focuses on exploring the day-to-day behaviours we all engage in that determine the results we gain. It covers topics such as learning new skills, consistent improvement, eating healthier, managing anxiety, overcoming perfectionism, beating procrastination, etc. Hosted by Gregg Clunis, the show shares simple strategies you can implement to start moving towards your goals.

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If you have ever wanted to become your best self, the world’s leading expert, Jenna Zoe guides you in this book through:

• how your energies flow so that you can find the optimum work and life pattern for you;
• your specific type of intuition and what it reveals to you;
• how to flex your personal gifts and traits; and,
• an authentic road to success aligned with your true self.

When you live your life by working with these things and not against them, everything you want happens with less resistance and more ease.

Available at Title Waves, Bandra West, Mumbai.

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